Women United
Uniting women through philanthropy, leadership, and volunteerism.
Women Igniting Change
Women United is a network of like-minded women who inspire and motivate others through philanthropy, leadership, and volunteerism. Members mobilize the caring power of women as they work to improve the health and wellness of women and children in Buffalo & Erie County.
A powerful philanthropic force, Women United also facilitates conversations and initiatives with the goal of promoting equity and empowerment for women – at work and at home.
Membership
Women United members donate $500 or more annually to the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. Gifts can be made as a one-time donation or spread out throughout the year (weekly, monthly, quarterly).
Upcoming Events
International Women’s Day Breakfast 2026
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 11 AM
United Way of Buffalo & Erie County’s International Women’s Day Breakfast, presented by Women United, is an inspiring event that brings together community leaders and business professionals to celebrate and empower women.
The event hosts more than 300 attendees and includes breakfast and networking followed by a dynamic panel discussion. This year’s panelists are Nicole Johnson-Scales, CEO of NJS Consulting Group, and Kawanza Suarez, Chief Human Resources Officer of VyStar Credit Union.
The event concludes by recognizing two exceptional women whose work has profoundly impacted the community with the presentation of the President’s Award and Women United’s Volunteer of the Year.
Join our mailing list to ensure you never miss another Women United event!
Volunteering
Women United members are able to take advantage of unique volunteering opportunities year-round!
- WNY Girls in Sports – Help empower young girls through the power of sports at our bi-annual Girls in Sports event.
- Community Baby Shower – Collect and pack baby bundles for new mothers in-need at our annual Community Baby Shower Packing Party.
Women United Advisory Board
- Bernadette Aja
Employer Service Corp - Tori Andrews
- PNC Bank Corp
- Tricia Barrett
Crowley Webb - Abby Best
- Lawley Insurance
- Maggie Best
Lawley - Shannon Bryant
- Kaleida Health
- Tania Castillo
- Univera Healthcare
- Emily Ciraolo
Cisco - Ashley Coder
- The Summit Center
- Rashida Dowell, Chair
M&T Bank - Leigh Farah
Microsoft - Jasmine Foster
Leadership Buffalo - Rhonda Frederick
- West Herr Automotive Group
- Gretchen Geitter
Community Volunteer - Anna Jank, Co-Chair
Wegmans Food Markets - Lisa LaTrovato
Buffalo Toronto Public Media - Jeannie Parent
Launch Leadership - Catherine Roberts
Research Council of WNY, Inc. - Judith Elana Sheppard
- ECMC
- J’Leise Sosa
- Kaleida Health
- Erinn Steffen
- Mower
- Thomasina Stenhouse
Moog Retirees - Maggie Zimmer-Cusimano
Bank of America
